Art Hugenberger

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You won’t want to miss the display of saddles made by Art Hugenberger, a Santa Ynez Valley resident who is considered by many to be one of the greatest saddle makers of all time. Hugenberger was once an assistant to Montie Montana, famous for roping President Eisenhower during his inaugural parade, among other things. Hugenberger grew up with a passion for becoming a cowboy, and followed his dreams the best he could through the depression and the war. He developed his saddle making skills at Ed Gilmore Saddlery in North Hollywood, California, then moved to Santa Barbara to work for Jedlicka’s Saddlery in the mid 1950’s. In 1964, after marrying his beloved wife Matilda, Art moved to Solvang and set up shop in his garage. As you gaze upon the beautiful craftsmanship of an Art Hugenberger saddle, contemplate the twenty-five plus hours that it took to create those beautiful pieces. And how wonderful it is to have a gift such as his, to craft saddles for people like President Ronald Reagan and his family, Audie Murphy, Joel McCrea and Dale Robinson. The West Room is simply an awesome place!